It’s been nearly eight months since Tim McLeod was elected the new MLA for Moose Jaw North, and while the learning curve has been steep, the experience has been positive.
McLeod was elected on Oct. 26, 2019, after receiving 4,733 votes out of 7,424 votes cast — or 63.75 per cent — in the Moose Jaw North constituency. He had been a community lawyer for many years before casting his hat into the provincial politics ring.
“I’m really enjoying it. I enjoy the work, but even more so the people I’m working with and the people I’m working for,” he said recently. “I’ve been blessed to make good, positive relationships with constituents who come to me for assistance, and certainly, I’m enjoying getting to know my colleagues a bit better. We had the opportunity to do that during the six weeks of the spring sitting.”
With an increase in COVID-19 in Regina in late March, all MLAs were forced to remain in The Queen City during the sitting, so they didn’t bring the virus back to their communities.
Even though McLeod was away from his family for nearly two months, he thought there was a silver lining to the situation. The Sask. Party government was still able to get work done while he met his colleagues and forged relationships with them during off-hours.
There haven’t been any overwhelming surprises since becoming MLA, McLeod said. While everyone has been dealing with the pandemic, he has been excited to see the province’s progress to exit this situation. He pointed to Saskatchewan being a national leader with its reopening plan and vaccination numbers.
While McLeod has been involved in politics before, it’s a little different being an elected official.
“There is a steep learning curve. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to see the inner workings of the legislative assembly,” he said, adding he also thought the people with whom he worked — elected officials and civil servants — were also “absolutely fantastic.”
“I always enjoy learning new things, and this has been no exception to that,” he added.
Every MLA had the opportunity to speak in the legislative assembly during the fall and spring sittings and comment on various issues. Each member was given 20 minutes to speak about the fall throne speech and the spring budget, while they also had chances to bring forward private member’s bills or give member’s statements.
During his turn to give a statement, McLeod highlighted the Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce’s Big Give Campaign and the activities of the Moose Jaw Business Women’s Association.
The pandemic has posed the biggest challenge during McLeod’s first year as an MLA. Since public health regulations prevent large gatherings, only small numbers of politicians have gathered in person in the legislative chamber. This meant many members had to participate by computer; McLeod felt this decreased engagement and didn’t allow for the development of camaraderie while sitting shoulder to shoulder.
Being able to sit in that hallowed chamber — home to past premiers such as James G. Gardiner, Tommy Douglas, and Brad Wall — has been “an incredible honour,” said McLeod. He mentioned how grateful he was to be there during his reply to the Throne Speech.
“The building is just incredibly majestic, but it’s also the home to some of the greatest politicians and decisions that have shaped this province over history,” he continued. “It’s very humbling and it’s an incredible honour and I don’t take that for granted at all.”
